Working Remotely
ITS provides a variety of services to connect you with the resources and community members you need to continue to perform many of the activities that you normally conduct on campus. There are several important components that you will need in order to successfully use them, including the following:
- Laptop or desktop computer – including appropriate charger(s) and cables
- Microphone – often built in to laptop computers, if using a desktop computer a USB microphone or headset may be required
- Webcam – often built in to laptop computers or available as a USB peripheral device
- Internet connection – a cable modem, DSL, or wireless hot spot using a smartphone with a cellular data plan (Colby issued smartphones can accommodate this)
- If you require additional equipment at home such as a camera or microphone, contact the ITS Support Center at [email protected] or x4222.
Please review the following information as it pertains to your role and online activities. ITS will continue to update this site with helpful information on remote working as it becomes available.
Bringing your Colby desktop home
- Send an email to [email protected] with the location (building and room) you are removing the desktop system from and the CCID (blue barcode sticker) number of any Colby owned equipment you bring home.
- Take a picture of all your connections before disconnecting them.
- When setting up your desktop computer at home, refer to the picture taken in step 2 to reconnect all peripherals (power, monitor, keyboard, mouse, network, etc).
- When possible, use a wired connection to your home network.
- Always connect to the Colby VPN (see above).
- If you need assistance, please contact the ITS Support Center at 207-859-4222 or [email protected]
While your computer is off campus, Colby’s backup software (CrashPlan Pro) will continue to backup your computer. To check the status of your backups please follow these steps:
Colby voicemail to email
Remote meetings/collaboration
Help with Google Hangouts Meet:
Connecting to the Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Accessing the fileserver (filer)
Redirecting your Colby phone number

Computer and Internet security when working remotely
Many of the same recommendations and guidelines for secure computing on campus are the same for off campus or remote work – especially if you are using your college-issued computer. Some aspects of information security become more important when working remotely – increased fraud and email phishing, ensuring your computer’s software is up to date, and appropriate use of the Colby VPN service all require more emphasis when you are away from campus.
All information security notices and recommendations can be found here: